Ram Mandir rolls out new donation counting rules: Check what is changing after alleged theft row

The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has introduced new rules for donation counting at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya following the alleged embezzlement of devotees' offerings. The revamped system includes stricter security checks, enhanced monitoring and new administrative measures for employees handling donations. However, the tougher protocols have also led to a wave of resignations, with more than half of the donation counting staff stepping down amid the ongoing investigation, reports news agency PTI.

New rules bring tighter security at the counting centre

As part of the new donation counting rules, security and vigilance at the counting centre have been strengthened considerably.

Employees must now undergo multiple rounds of frisking before entering the counting area. They are allowed inside only barefoot, without mobile phones or any personal belongings.


They are also screened at several security checkpoints within the temple complex, whereas earlier, trust-issued identity cards were sufficient for entry.

According to sources, four personnel have been deployed exclusively to monitor the donation counting process.

QR-enabled ID cards and digital tracking planned

The trust is also preparing to introduce additional security measures, including QR code-enabled identity cards with digital security features, a common uniform for outsourced employees, and a digital entry-exit tracking system to record every employee's movement within the temple premises.

These measures are aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability in the handling of temple donations.

Over half of the donation counting staff resign

According to trust sources, attendance at the donation counting centre had already fallen after the alleged embezzlement case surfaced. Of the nearly 40 personnel earlier assigned to the task, only around 15 to 20 had been reporting regularly due to fear following the investigation.

Sources said around 20 employees have resigned, reducing the strength of donation counting personnel to just around a dozen.

Employees cite heavier workload under new rules

Employees who resigned said the donation counting process has become significantly more time-consuming after the alleged theft came to light.

They also claimed that the work, which was previously carried out in two shifts, has now been reduced to a single shift lasting around nine to 10 hours, without any increase in wages.

According to the employees, donations that were earlier counted while seated at tables and chairs are now counted while sitting on the floor.

Eight arrested as investigation continues

The alleged embezzlement of temple donations came to light earlier this month, prompting an investigation into the counting process.

The case involves the alleged siphoning off of devotees' offerings before they were deposited in banks.

So far, eight people have been arrested, all of whom were associated with the donation counting process. The accused include personnel involved in counting donations as well as those responsible for handling the offerings.

The police investigation and the trust's internal review are continuing alongside the implementation of the new donation counting rules at the Ram Mandir.